Parkinson

Parkinson's disease

or Parkinson disease

nounPathology.

a common neurologic disease believed to be caused by deterioration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, occurring primarily after the age of 60, characterized by tremors, especially of the fingers and hands, muscle rigidity, shuffling gait, slow speech, and a masklike facial expression.

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Origin of Parkinson's disease

named after James Parkinson (1755–1824), English physician who first described it

Parkinson

(pär′kĭn-sən)James1755-1824

British physician who gave (1817) a comprehensive description of paralysis agitans, or Parkinson's disease, and was the first to recognize (1812) perforation of the appendix as a cause of death in appendicitis.

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Parkinson's disease

(pär′kĭn-sənz)

n.

A progressive nervous disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine, and characterized by muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness.paralysis agitans

Parkinson's disease

[pär′kĭn-sənz]

A progressive neurologic disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Individuals with Parkinson's disease exhibit tremors while at rest, slowing of movement, stiffening of gait and posture, and weakness. The disease is named after its discoverer, British physician and paleontologist James Parkinson (1755-1824).

Parkinson's disease

A chronic disease of the nervous system that usually strikes in late adult life, resulting in a gradual decrease in muscle control. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, weakness, and partial paralysis of the face. Certain drugs can help alleviate some of its symptoms.